The fateful encounter took place more than 60 years ago: In 1962, Rainer Schlegelmilch stood at a race track for the first time. The loud engines, the squeaky rubber and the cool heroes he observes at the Nürburgring never leave the young man alone again. After completing his final exams at the Bavarian State College of Photography, Schlegelmilch devoted himself to the great love that was born that day: racing.
The racetracks of this world become the photographer’s true home. Using his unique zoom technique, he captures the tremendous speed of the racing cars in hypnotizing images. His colleagues just call him the Zoom Master.
Around 40 illustrated books are now dedicated to Schlegelmilch’s decades of work. Exhibitions all over the world and encounters with the greatest racing drivers are the reward for the passionate photographer. Brands like Ferrari, BMW, Mercedes and Aston Martin hire him for opulent publications.
“Rainer W. Schlegelmilch. Porsche Racing Moments”
The latest work, however, is dedicated to Porsche. The illustrated book “Rainer W. Schlegelmilch. Porsche Racing Moments” is a personal photographic journey through the history of Porsche endurance racing, from Le Mans to the Targa Florio and Spa-Francorchamps to Monza.
In this volume, the cars are the heroes: from the specially made prototypes from the 1960s, to the powerful 907 and 908, to probably the most iconic racing cars of all time, the 917, the 962 and the timeless Porsche 911.
Declaration of love to Porsche
The photographic declaration of love to Porsche takes the reader into the real world of motorsport. There is little of the sophisticated glamor to be seen here. Instead, you are immersed in the dusty, booming and dangerous universe of racing – where the burning smell of petrol and oil fills the air and brings tears to your eyes.
“Rainer W. Schlegelmilch. Porsche Racing Moments”, published by Taschen Verlag. Hardcover, 356 pages; bound in imitation leather, with engraved acrylic book stand, Collector’s Edition, (No. 201-962), each numbered and signed by Rainer W. Schlegelmilch. Also available in two art editions (No. 1-100 and No. 101-200) each with a print signed by Rainer W. Schlegelmilch. Total edition of 962 copies. Price: 850 euros.